International Association of Fire Fighters Local 18 / Vancouver Fire Rescue Services
Click Below for your own Safe Plan Document:
I'm seriously thinking about Suicide. What should I do?
Reaching out for help: If you're concerned about losing control or causing harm to yourself, it's vital to share your thoughts and feelings with someone you trust. Ensure that you are in the presence of a trusted individual. If you live alone, consider asking a friend or family member to stay with you during this time. If you find yourself without immediate access to a support system, please call the helpline 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) for assistance.
Ensuring a safe environment: Taking measures to create a safe living space is of utmost importance. Eliminate any items that could be used to harm yourself, such as pills, razor blades, or firearms. If you are unable to remove these items, it is crucial to remove yourself from the environment and seek a safe space where you feel secure.
Developing a safety plan: Crafting a written safety plan can be an immensely helpful tool when experiencing thoughts of self-harm. Collaborate with a trusted family member, friend, or mental health professional to create this safety plan. Keep the plan somewhere easily accessible and visible to you. The safety plan should consist of specific steps to follow in order to ensure your well-being and safety.
Here's an example of what a safety plan might include:
Identify and list the warning signs and triggers that may contribute to your distressing thoughts.
Note the coping strategies or activities that have helped you in the past during difficult moments.
Document the names and contact information of individuals you can reach out to for support, such as friends, family members, therapists, or helplines.
Include emergency contact information, such as crisis hotlines, local mental health services, or emergency medical services.
Write down alternative activities or distractions that you can engage in during moments of distress, such as listening to music, going for a walk, or practicing deep breathing exercises.
Make a commitment to yourself to reach out for help when needed and to follow the steps outlined in the safety plan.
If you have followed these steps and still do not feel safe, it is essential to take immediate action. Contact a crisis helpline, visit the nearest hospital emergency room, or call 911 for immediate assistance. Your safety and well-being are our utmost priority, and there are professionals ready to support you through this challenging time.
If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide, it's crucial to remember that you are not alone. Many individuals have faced similar thoughts for various reasons. It's understandable that these thoughts can be extremely distressing, leaving you feeling hurt, confused, overwhelmed, and devoid of hope for the future. Emotions such as sadness, grief, anger, guilt, shame, or emptiness may be present, making it seem like your situation is unchangeable. At this moment, it may feel as though your feelings are overwhelming and impossible to handle.
It's important to recognize that having thoughts of suicide does not mean that you will lose control or act upon them. It does not signify weakness or being 'crazy.' Instead, these thoughts often emerge when individuals are searching for an escape from the pain they are enduring. Although your circumstances may appear bleak, and you question whether you can endure another moment of such intense distress, there are ways to navigate through this and discover a path towards feeling better.
Remember, you do not have to face this situation alone. There is help available to support you. Here are a few suggestions that you can implement immediately: